Former head of MTA Capital Construction to helm NYU Innovations Hub

Hoping to improve safety and efficiency in the construction industry, New York University’s Tandon School of Engineering has created the Institute of Design and Construction (IDC) Innovations Hub and selected railroad construction veteran Michael Horodniceanu as chairman.

Horodniceanu, PE, already serves as a professor within NYU’s Department of Urban and Civil Engineering. But the railroad and transit industry, which calls him “Dr. H,” knows him for his time as president of New York’s MTA Capital Construction, the subsidiary of the MTA that manages capital programs.

Among the big-ticket projects that took place under Horodniceanu’s domain were the $12-billion East Side Access project, the $4.5-billion Second Avenue Subway, the $2.4-billion Number 7 Line Extension, and the $1.4-billion Fulton Street Transit Center.

According to NYU, the Innovations Hub will “help construction leaders overcome vexing issues that often trigger cost overruns and schedule delays.” The Hub is described as an “industry-supported, membership-based entity.” The Hub is expected to

Provide access to consultancy services from experienced and independent experts for specific projects;

Sponsor in-depth informational seminars on topics ranging from organizational and leadership issues to best practices in the selection of materials and machinery;

Support a range of training programs provided by academics and industry leaders.

The NYU Tandon School of Engineering dates to 1854, the founding date for both the New York University School of Civil Engineering and Architecture and the Brooklyn Collegiate and Polytechnic Institute (widely known as Brooklyn Poly). The two programs merged in January 2014.